PsychDis-Exam3

Self-Esteem and Happiness

• People with high self-esteem tend to be happier than those with average or low self-esteem.
• High self-esteem can influence social interactions positively, with others likely to respond favorably to those who like themselves.

Bullying and Self-Esteem

• Bullies often exhibit compensatory behavior for their low self-esteem by projecting power through mean behavior.
• Narcissists often have reasons to feel positively about themselves, as they may possess qualities that they or others perceive as superior (e.g., attractiveness).

Understanding Narcissism

• Narcissism is often misunderstood in the context of self-esteem.

• The DSM-5 criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:

  • Grandiosity: A pervasive pattern of grandiosity in thinking and behavior.
  • Need for Admiration: Requires excessive admiration from others.
  • Lack of Empathy: Demonstrates a lack of empathy for others.

• There are several criteria for identifying narcissism, including:

  • Exaggerated Sense of Self-Importance: Belief in one's superiority without demonstrable achievements.
  • Preoccupation with Fantasies: Such as unlimited success, beauty, or ideal love.
  • Belief in Uniqueness: Suggests only special individuals can understand them.
  • Requires Excessive Admiration: Needs constant recognition.
  • Envy and Arrogance: Often feels envy towards others or believes others are envious.

Self-Esteem vs. Narcissism

• High self-esteem individuals can believe they are more capable than others, but may also see themselves as more loving and moral.
• In contrast, narcissists view themselves as more important than others and lack compassion.
• Healthy self-esteem allows individuals to view themselves positively without devolving into entitlement or underestimating others.

Self-Esteem Boosting Programs

• Many self-esteem programs (1980s-1990s) were based on the premise that boosting self-esteem would lead to better social outcomes. However, evidence showed these programs often failed to impact actual performance positively.
• Excessive praise without merit can lead to unrealistic self-assessments and fear of failure, hindering personal growth.

The Self-Serving Bias

• The self-serving bias refers to the tendency for individuals to perceive themselves as above average on various traits, including driving ability, competence, etc.
• This can lead to disconnects in self-assessment and actual performance, particularly in narcissistic individuals who fail to recognize their limitations.

Conclusions on Self-Esteem and Success

• Very low self-esteem can be detrimental (leading to vulnerability and exploitation).
• However, extremely high self-esteem is also shown to be potentially harmful for success.
• Instead of focusing purely on self-esteem, promoting a sense of belonging and love is more beneficial for children's development

Final Thoughts on Relationships

• Individuals with low self-esteem can form genuine connections and express love, contrasting with narcissists who may be self-focused and lack empathy.
• Understanding these differences can help in addressing interpersonal dynamics in various relationships.